Manipur in turmoil: Demonstrators vow to self-immolate, curfew imposed.

New incidents of violence and increased tensions have affected various valley districts in Manipur, resulting in a curfew and the suspension of internet services in numerous regions. The disturbances began on Saturday night after news emerged about the detention of a leader and several other members of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.

Demonstrators set fire to tyres and discarded furniture in the roads, surrounded the airport entrance, and confronted security personnel, calling for the leader’s release. A few of them even tried to set themselves on fire in Imphal. Tensions persisted on Sunday. Demonstrators confronted security personnel at several sites throughout the state capital on Saturday evening. In the Khurai Lamlong region of Imphal East district, a furious crowd torched a bus. In Kwakeithel, multiple gunshots were detected, but it’s still uncertain who discharged them.

Protesters also assembled at the Tulihal airport gate in Imphal, reacting to unverified reports that the detained leader was to be transported out of the state. Demonstrators obstructed the airport road and even slept on it overnight to prevent any efforts to relocate the leader from Manipur.

Law enforcement responded by launching tear gas canisters to break up the restless group. One fatality has been reported, supposedly resulting from a lathi charge by the authorities. Extra staff have been sent to the troubled regions to stabilize the situation, and security measures have been strengthened along the routes leading to the Raj Bhavan.

A curfew has been implemented in Bishnupur district, and prohibitory orders limiting gatherings of five or more individuals have been enforced in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching.

Internet services have been suspended for five days in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, as police anticipate attempts to incite violence online.

A viral video purportedly shows BJP Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on the street speaking to security personnel. “We tried very hard to bring peace. If you do such things, how will peace prevail? Arrest me along with the MLA I’m here with,” he is heard saying in the video.

Arambai Tenggol has declared a complete ten-day shutdown in the valley districts beginning today, as it gears up to escalate its protest. The Meitei organization, originally a cultural revival group, has transformed into a contentious militia-type faction engaged in the current ethnic conflict. The group had recently conversed with the Governor and also relinquished some of its weapons.

Since ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities broke out two years ago, security forces have been conducting searches and making arrests in Manipur. On Saturday, authorities apprehended three militants associated with two prohibited groups and seized improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Tengnoupal district.

Over 260 individuals have lost their lives and thousands have become homeless due to the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo factions since May 2023. In February, the Centre implemented President’s rule in Manipur following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.